1. Living in Arkansas at least one year at the time of nomination. 

2. Have longstanding histories of quality traditional crafts or folk arts in their communities. 

3. Show mastery of traditional craft or traditional folk arts. 

4. Have contributed to the perpetuation of their chosen craft or traditional art. Contributions include perpetuating folk arts or traditional craft through advocacy, visibility, academic teaching and organizing participation, e.g., festivals and events. Creatives also can meet these criteria through one-on-one education, apprenticeships, mentorships, leading informal groups or creating informal learning opportunities that connect youth or younger generations with a traditional folk art or traditional craft. 

5. Creating work that has heritage, historical or cultural significance that is rooted in or part of Arkansas. 

6. Current Arkansas Arts Council Advisory Board members and staff of the Department of  Parks, Heritage and Tourism or their immediate families are not eligible to nominate or be nominated. Posthumous nominations will not be accepted.

7. Recipients of an Individual Artist Fellowship award after 2023 are not eligible.

Fill out the nomination form to the right. Or, nomination forms may be printed and mailed to 1100 North St., Little Rock, AR, 72201. No self nominations are accepted.

1. Provide a physical creation representing the best of their craft or traditional art. OR, if the nominee is a performing traditional folk artist, please provide a video showing skill and mastery. Links to videos for performing works should be included in a resume or portfolio. Video should be under 10 minutes.

2. A detailed resume that shows lifetime achievement 

3. A portfolio (pdf or PowerPoint accepted) with at least 20 images of labeled works (title, media, date, method). The portfolio must include a narrative statement. Creatives may turn in a video or audio clip in addition to or instead of the narrative statement. Any video submitted should not exceed 10 minutes. The portfolio and/or videos should show the nominee’s abilities, methods, techniques and influences, while also explaining how the work is tied to Arkansas. 

• - All nominees should answer the following questions in their submitted materials: 

• - How and when did you learn your traditional folk art or craft?  

• - How have you contributed to the preservation or promotion of your craft/traditional art? 

• - What connection does your craft/traditional art have to Arkansas history, culture, heritage or identity? 

• - Why should you receive this recognition? What makes you a master of your traditional craft or folk arts? 

1. Portfolio with up to 20 images with labels (time, place, title, media, etc.), a resume, narrative statement and/or video (A 6 to 10 minute video can substitute for your artist artist statement/narrative. If you are a performing traditional artist a video may substitute the portfolio.)

2. Deliver an example work to Arkansas Heritage at 1100 North St., Little Rock, AR, 72201. We accept mailed-in works.